Sagging trailer tongue

[Louis]

I have a Magic Tilt trailer for my Hunter 23. The PO stored the boat on the trailer for a couple of years with the extension tongue pulled out. As a consequence, it has developed a ‘sag’ and it does not slide in and out freely. In fact, to move it, you’d have to whack it with a hammer. The tongue is about 2 1/2" on all four sides and about 6' to 8' long. Any suggestions on how to straighten it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RanAweigh]

Louis,
If you are not familiar with or don't have access to hydraulics and a straightening jig you might want to see if there is an automotive frame straightening shop near you.

Try not to hammer the tongue in any more or you will not be able to get it out to have it straightened.

 

[caguy]

!ust replace it. The price of metals are way down right now. Should cost you less than $20.

 

[RanAweigh]

Frank,

Wow! 8 feet of 2-1/2" steel box tubing is only twenty bucks where you live. A whole lot more here.

 

[caguy]

We have an outlet here Industrial Metals that sells it's remnants at scrap prices. I'll post a pct of it tonight the place is amazing. I buy ss from them for $1.65/lb. I'm sure there are supplers back there, you're a lot closer to Pittsburg than I am. Try google. Scrap yards are another excellent source.

 

[caguy]

Actually knowing me I would straddle it over a curb and run over it with my truck.
Or for a little more control, hook it up to the back of your car with the tongue extended and put a car jack (hydrolic if you have it) under it. Might want to use a ft long piece of wood to distribute load and prevent kinking. I don't think it will take much force to mve it.

 

[Doug J]

I agree with Caguy. I did this before with a trailer, might be worth a try. Hitch the trailer to your tow vehicle. Strategically place a jack with a wood block under the extended tongue. Jack it up a little at a time. I think you should easily be able to straighten it enough to slide freely.